Real Madrid have, for long, debated between Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe to be their next big signing. A marquee forward signing remains Los Blancos’ priority for the upcoming summer, with the Frenchman being the first-choice target.
Reports in the last week further that Mbappe has opted to sign for Real Madrid this summer, with PSG even looking for a replacement as it stands.
Los Blancos have sent an offer to the player’s entourage, and a response is expected in the coming weeks.
The Haaland option
Real Madrid’s advances towards Mbappe, surprisingly, do not close the doors to Haaland’s arrival according to reports from AS.
The Spanish outlet relays that Real Madrid’s financial situation is so sound that they can afford the signings of both Haaland and Mbappe in the same transfer window.
The Frenchman will be a free agent in the summer, and the Merengues need not pay any transfer fee for his arrival.
Considering that the Norweigan’s release clause for foreign clubs is between €100 million and €200 million, it is not out of Real Madrid’s reach.
The Manchester City forward’s entourage are still in constant contact with the team’s management, and the links are not completely out of the blue. After all, the player is said to have changed his view after the FIFA The Best Gala.
The turning point
Haaland was one of the prime nominees to take home the FIFA The Best award for last season. Having been an instrumental part of Manchester City’s treble with a stunning goalscoring record, he was only beaten by Lionel Messi’s World Cup campaign in the race.
Losing the accolade despite a surreal season, needless to say, was a blow to both the players and his entourage. They now feel the need to play at a club with a higher global reach and stature, and that is where Real Madrid enter the scene.
As arguably the sport’s biggest institution, it does not get bigger than playing for the Galacticos. Haaland, as one of the best players on the planet, could thus be tempted to switch scenery in the coming summer.